stevelyon

Hello Everyone.
Not another "what to do in New York with Kids" question? Not exactly - a search has given me some great ideas whilst in New York - but aftrewards we intend to spend some time next summer doing some sites not a million miles from New York. Question is where? To narrow it down it needs to be great for kids and car travelling distance away (300 miles or less). Can I thank you in anticipation.
Steve

Loki

Depends how old. If they're old enough to not find it too too boring, visit the historical sites in DC.

mclaurie

Exactly when during the summer, for how long, age of kids etc. There are a number of places if you're looking for some beach time (the Hamptons, Montauk, the Jersey Shore). Mystic Connecticut is popular too. Give us some more info and what sort of budget you're working with.

MFNYC

Depending on their interests, bsides beaches, you can go to Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame), Philadelphia for some nice historic sites and museums, or Newport, RI (mansion tours, tennis hall of fame where you may catch at tennis tourn, etc).

swalter518

We did a trip this summer of NYC, Jersey Shore and Philadelphi which I would highly recommend. My brother did the same trip but D.C. instead of Phili and liked that as well.

swalter518

Whoops, should proofread! Obviously it's Philadelphia not the little know Philadephi!

stevelyon

Thanks for all the replies. I'll declare my hand and say I have done absolutely no research whatsoever into the surrounding areas near to New York (apart from a search on kids and New York here at Fodors); so when you talk about RI, I have not a clue what this means, and are there attractive beaches near to New York? The children are Katie aged 13 and Danny aged 10 we are going in August. Both love sport and usual stuff like movies, theme parks etc, but the thought of actually going to New York is thrilling in itself. Can I say I am really grateful for your help.

nytraveler

A lot of people don;t realize that the suburbs close to New York have some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world.

Depending on what you're looking for you might try Long Island - in a couple of hours you can be in Hamptons or Montauk (great beaches, wonderful restaurants, colonial history, one of the few surviving Atlantic coast lighhouses, whale-watching boat tours and a ton of good winery tours).

New Jersey shore also has a bunch of family friendly beaches - will leave those to an habitue to describe.

Tandoori_Girl

"A lot of people don;t realize that the suburbs close to New York have some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world."

This is true that a lot of people don't realize this because these beaches are NOT considered some of the worlds best beaches. I'd opt for a side trip to DC and leave the beaches for a trip to FL, SC, etc.

nytraveler

Sorry -

You may not consider thes some of the best beaches - but a lot of people do. The other benefit of NY beaches over FLA is that you have a bunch of things to do besides sit on a beach. Also in the summer the weather is often pleasant - rather than unbearably hot. (I would agree with FLA in the winter - but in the summer IMHO its not fit for man or beast.)

And since they have already done a city - perhaps the kids might enjoy something a little different.

mei

I asked my kids (10, 12, 14) and here's what they say.....I don't know where you are from, but if you won't be back east any time soon, your first choice should be DC. We also think that Boston, Newport and Mystic are all great for kids. If you want the beach, we would go for the Hampton's or Block Island WAY over the Jersey Shore (too crowded, expensive, stressful...my kids won't go).

PS...I think the beaches in the Hampton's are really nice.

wantsomesun

They would probably love Fire Island and the trip over on the Long Island Railroad, then a short cab ride to the Ferry and the hour long ferry ride, to the Sunken Forest. It is part of the National Park System, and is walk through a beautiful forested area, on a boardwalk, I think it's a little over a mile and you may see some deer, fox, lots of different birds. There is also a ranger station to learn more about the US Coastline and what kind of animals live in the water and on the shore.

There's a beautiful beach and a cute food stand. It's a perfect day trip from the city and we do it a few times each summer (not this year however, too cold and rainy)

Jones Beach is another good suggestion, a beautiful beach and a huge pool area, and it's also an easy ride on LIRR.

Hope this helps a bit.

mclaurie

I don't think you've told us where you're from Steve (and that would help), but Washington D.C. in August is HOT.Ofcourse if you're from Texas it might not bother you.

I'm not very knowledgeable about theme parks, but I think there are some in New Jersey and Pennsylvania both in driving distance from NY and Penn. has some interesting things like Amish country and there are pretty areas for biking, hiking etc.

For beach, the Hamptons and Montauk can't be beat but August is the height of the season and you should book hotels NOW if you want to do that. I kid you not. Rhode Island also has some nice beaches, is a bit more laid back I think and has Newport with all the great old homes.

If money is no object, I think Nantucket is an amazing place (island off Mass.) and a nice contrast to NYC. The easiest way to get there would be to fly from La Guardia. The flight is only about an hour. You can drive but it's a 5-6 hour drive and then a ferry ride. But once you get there it's got fabulous beaches, biking, hiking, lots of early history (it was a major whaling center) and great food. It's just expensive.

stevelyon

Thanks loads for all your responses. Can I be cheeky and ask what it is about Boston, Mystic and Newport that make it great for kids - or is it in just a general sort of way. I am from the UK (the pendle area of Lancashire - which has a namesake in Philadelphia through a link with the Quakers who were big in Lancashire). Perhaps, thats a place I can look up whilst in the vicinity! Thanks once again for all your help.

donnapg

I live on LI and I think we have some very nice beaches, but for kids I would say the Jersey Shore - rent a house or a condo some towns like Long Beach island are very kid friendly with amusement parks and the like..

About 2-1/2 hrs from NYC I believe.

Donna

mei

Mystic is a re-creation of an old seaport village with old ships and lots of activities and relics related to seafaring. Nearby is Mystic Aquarium which is also nice. My kids spent a week a Mystic Sailing camp and were never bored. Newport is a colonial town, but was popular during The Guilded Age so there are huge mansions to visit as well a a lively downtown (it's good for a day or 2). Boston also has a great aquarium and lots to see (the Duck Tour is fun), but may be a bit too much city visiting if you just came from NY.

I live a hour from the Jersey beaches, but prefer to drive to a beach New England....I guess if you want lots of people to see, mini-golf and carnival rides, the Jersey shore is your spot. The beaches are jam packed and parking is difficult. If you want to enjoy a beach along with biking, hiking and a quieter atmosphere, head to an island in New England....but you won't get an amusement park there.

stevelyon

Just to thank people for their helpful advice, and I am using this information to do some further research.
Kindest regards

uhoh_busted

White water rafting in Pennslvania -- there are some good family runs and you'll stay in really pretty woodsy countryside. If not this year, certainly as the kids are teens...